..."We highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." -Abraham Lincoln...

Modern Oratory

A+ Modern Oratory

In Modern Oratory, the sixth, seventh and eighth grade contestants will select one of the topics, determine the critical issues in the topic, and acknowledge both pro and con points citing support discovered in their research. Students will choose a side they will defend and support that side with additional evidence. Along with the skills of analysis, research, note-taking, documentation, evaluation and decision-making come those of delivery and the skill of memorization.

2016-2017 Modern Oratory Topics

Contestants must select one of the following topics for developing the oration.

Should computer science be a required course for high school students?

Are self-driving cars essential to the future of transporation?

Can governments do more to combat the spread of diseases such as Zika virus?

Does the US have a responsibility to aid in resolving conflicts abroad?

Can the Texas Legislature resolve the debate over funding for Texas public schools?

Students will deliver a three to six minute speech without the use of notes on their topic. In the process of preparing for the contest, the student will need to:

define the problem;

determine the pro and con issues;

research the issue;

look at both sides of an issue;

reach a conclusion; and

support that conclusion with documentation.

To achieve and maintain the educational goals of the contest activity, the teacher and/or parent may guide the development of the research and writing of the speech, but shall not be permitted to write the speech for the student.

Our Vision:
Mission CISD will prepare and inspire all students to be equipped to excel in the college and career of their choice, dominate 21st century skills in leadership, knowledge, language, and technology to compete in a global economy and serve as successful citizens in their community.